The New York Rangers confirmed that forward Derek Boogaard has died at the age of 28. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, he was found dead on Friday in his Minneapolis apartment. The cause of his death is still unknown.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," New York Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a team release issued Friday night. "He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

Due to toxicology tests, a cause of death won't be known for weeks. Though foul play is not suspected, authorities in Minnesota, including the Minneapolis Police are investigating, according to the Star Tribune.

One of the most feared fighters in the league, Boogaard missed most of this season with a concussion and a shoulder injury. It was his first with the Rangers after playing in 255 career games with the Minnesota Wild.

In 277 NHL games, Boogaard had three goals and 13 assists, was minus-12 and had 589 penalty minutes.

Drafted by the Minnesota Wild, Boogaard played six NHL seasons. The 2010-11 season was his first with the Rangers, but he was limited to 22 games because of a shoulder injury. In all, Boogaard sat out the Rangers' final 51 regular-season games and all all five playoff games.

Michael Russo, NHL beat man for the Star Tribune, announced the news via Twitter on Friday. He wrote:

"Awful news: Derek Boogaard was found dead today in his Minneapolis apartment by members of his family. He was 28.

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In its report, the Star Tribune noted that Boogaard is survived by his mother, Joanne, and father, Len, his younger brothers Aaron and Ryan and younger sister, Krysten, who is a basketball player at the University of Kansas.

Boogaard, who was from Saskatoon, Sakatchewan, was a seventh-round pick, 202nd overall, in 2001 by the Wild. He played junior hockey in Canada's Western Hockey League for Regina, Prince George and Medicine Hat before entering the Wild's farm system with stops at ECHL Louisiana and AHL Houston.

He made his NHL debut in the 2005-06 season, which proved to be his best. He had two goals and four assists while racking up 158 penalty minutes.

Like most NHL players, and especially among the biggest and baddest fighters, Boogaard had a soft side away from the ice. The Rangers noted in their release: "While with the Rangers, he created 'Boogaard’s Booguardians,' hosting military members and their families at all New York Ranger home games."

Among those noting Boogaard's passing on Twitter was Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney. "Awful news about Derek Boogaard," he wrote. "My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

NHL Players' Association executive director Don Fehr also issued a statement: “The NHLPA is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Derek Boogaard. Derek was a well-liked and respected member of the NHLPA, and his passing is a great loss to the entire hockey community. Our sincere condolences to Derek’s many friends and family during this difficult time.”